HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.19.2020 Lisa Almaguer - Air Quality Advisory - August 19, 2020 AT0
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2020
JOINT AIR QUALITY ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE
BUTTE COUNTY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT and
BUTTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
To:
Public Safety Personnel School Officials
News Media Sac. Valley Air Basin Coordinating Council
Adjacent Air Quality Management Districts County Health Officer
Butte County & City Managers California Air Resources Board
Local/State Law & Fire Federal Environmental Protection Agency
Local Hospitals
From:Stephen Ertle, Air Pollution Control Officer
Danette York, M.P.H., Public Health Director
The Butte County Air Quality Management District Air Pollution Control Officer and the Butte County Public
Health Director are issuing this Joint Air Quality Advisory to notify the public about wildfire smoke impacts in
Butte County due to several wildfires burning in Northern California. Conditions that are Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups (USG) are possible in Butte County while the fires remain active. Smoke impacts will vary
based on wind direction and fire intensity.
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of air pollutants that are harmful to human health. The major air pollutant
of concern is fine particulate matter also known as PM2.5. Exposure to air pollutants in wildfire smoke can
irritate the eyes and airways, causing cough, a dry scratchy throat, runny nose, trouble breathing, and irritated
sinuses.
While all persons may experience varying degrees of symptoms, people at increased risk from smoke
inhalation include:
Young children
Older adults
Pregnant women
People with chronic respiratory and heart conditions
People who work outside
People experiencing homelessness
Persons experiencing questionable or severe symptoms should seek professional medical advice and
treatment.
People can reduce smoke inhalation by taking the following actions:
1
Limit outdoor exertion, especially children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory
conditions;
If your child shows signs of compromised breathing or has respiratory conditions, follow your
symptoms worsen.
Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible in buildings and vehicles.
When you need to be outside, limit your time in smoky conditions. If you need to wear an
N-95 respirator, be sure it is worn correctly. Remember that a dust mask, cloth face
covering, or medical mask will not filter out smoke!
Try to limit sources of air pollution in your home (smoking, use of incense or candles, and
frying food are some examples of indoor air pollution sources).
both in your car and
in your home to use inside air rather than drawing in air from the outside.
Use high efficiency air filters (rated MERV-13 or higher) for your HVAC system if possible.
Portable HEPA filters can also be used (avoid Ozone-producing air purifiers).
Track air quality in your area through websites or mobile apps to plan your activity before
heading out. The BCAQMD website (www.butteairquality.com) has daily air quality
forecasts as well as links to real-time air quality data. Airnow.gov is the primary resource
for air quality conditions throughout the nation. Other websites with information include:
http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/
https://fire.airnow.gov/
More information including access to air quality data is available at www.bcaqmd.org or
www.butteairquality.com. Questions may be directed to 530-332-9400 during regular business hours.
Air Quality Index (AQI): Particle Pollution and Visibility Chart
Levels
Index
of Health Cautionary Statements Visibility Range in Miles
Values
Concern
0-50 Good None 10+ miles
Unusually sensitive people
51-100* Moderate should consider reducing 5 10 miles
prolonged or heavy exertion.
People with heart or lung
Unhealthy for disease, older adults, and 3 5 miles
101-150
Sensitive Groups children should reduce
prolonged or heavy exertion.
2
People with heart or lung
disease, older adults, and
children should avoid 1.5 2.5 miles
151-200 Unhealthy
prolonged or heavy exertion.
Everyone else should reduce
prolonged or heavy exertion.
People with heart or lung
disease, older adults, and
children should avoid all 1 1.25 miles
201-300 Very Unhealthy
physical activity outdoors.
Everyone else should avoid
prolonged or heavy exertion.
People with heart or lung
disease, older adults, and
children should remain
301-500 Hazardous indoors and keep activity < 0.75 miles
levels low. Everyone else
should avoid all physical
activity outdoors.
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